As the body ages, the fat pads on the feet undergo structural and functional changes that can affect comfort and mobility. Fat pad atrophy, a gradual thinning of the cushioning beneath the heel and forefoot, reduces shock absorption and increases sensitivity to pressure. The loss of elasticity in the skin and connective tissues further contributes to discomfort, making the feet more vulnerable to pain and injuries. Altered biomechanics, including changes in gait and posture, may develop as the body compensates for reduced cushioning. Increased pressure points can lead to calluses, soreness, and a higher risk of foot conditions. If you are elderly and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief methods.

If you need your feet checked, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hard skin on the feet is caused by repeated friction or pressure. The heels, balls of the feet, and sides of the toes are especially prone to developing thickened skin due to constant rubbing against footwear. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, spending long hours on the feet, and having bunions or hammertoes, can also be factors causing hard skin on the feet. In some cases, medical conditions that affect circulation or nerve function may increase the risk of hard skin formation. While hardened skin generally serves as a protective barrier, an excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, cracks, or infections, if left untreated. A podiatrist can assess the cause of hardened skin, provide treatment to remove thickened areas safely, and recommend ways to prevent further irritation. If necessary, custom orthotics or other footwear modifications may be suggested to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. If you have discomfort from hardened skin or any other type of malady on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin on the feet becomes dry and loses its elasticity, leading to painful fissures. One common cause is prolonged pressure on the feet from standing for long hours or wearing shoes with inadequate support. Dry skin, often worsened by cold weather or dehydration, makes the heels more prone to cracking. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, can cause peeling and flaking that leads to skin breakdown. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis contribute to excessive dryness and inflammation, further increasing the risk of heel fissures. Without proper care, cracks can deepen and cause discomfort or infection. If you notice the beginning symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention tips.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms when the big toe joint shifts out of alignment, often due to genetics, wearing improper footwear, flat feet, or arthritis. Over time, the joint becomes swollen, painful, and stiff, making walking uncomfortable. There are different types of bunions. The most common is the classic bunion, which develops on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. A tailor’s bunion, or bunionette, forms on the outside at the base of the little toe. A dorsal bunion occurs on the top of the big toe joint, often limiting movement and making shoe wear painful. Treatment varies based on severity. Wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and toe exercises can help, and severe cases may require injections or surgery. Since bunions worsen over time, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for early intervention and to prevent complications.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact One of our Practitioner of Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Ankle-Brachial Index, or ABI, is a simple, non-invasive test that measures blood flow in the legs compared to the arms. In podiatry, it helps detect peripheral artery disease, or PAD, a condition where narrowed arteries reduce circulation to the feet and ankles. Poor circulation can lead to slow-healing wounds, infections, and an increased risk of ulcers or even limb loss. The test involves taking blood pressure readings at the arm and ankle using a Doppler device. A lower than normal ABI score suggests reduced blood flow, which could mean blocked or narrowed arteries. People with diabetes, a history of smoking, or chronic foot wounds often undergo this test to assess their vascular health. Early detection of circulation issues allows for better management, including lifestyle changes or medical treatment. If you have persistent foot pain, wounds that do not heal well, or cold feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who may recommend an ABI test.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with One of our Practitioner from Frankel foot & Ankle. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Milford, PA Middletown, NY Warwick, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.